Discus toy

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is of a discus toy comprising a hollow disc on the sides of which are carried inflatable members, preferably of hemispherical configuration. Openings in the sides bring the interior of the disc into communication with the interiors of the inflatable members. Air scoops are provided on the periphery of the disc so that when the disc is thrown and spun, the inflatable members will expand into a sphere.

United States Patent Heisler 1 1 Sept. 18, 1973 [5 DISCUS TOY 303,885 8/1884 Ridge 273/l05.5

I t I f l [75] nven or Alan W Hers er, San Ra ae Calif Primary Examiner Louis G. Mancene [73] Assignee: Melyjn R. Stidham, San Rafael, Assistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever Calif.; a part interest Attorney-Melvin R. Stidham 22 Filed: Jul 17 1972 l 1 y 57 ABSTRACT [21] Appl 272358 The disclosure is of a discus toy comprising a hollow disc on the sides of which are carried inflatable mem- [52] U.S. Cl. 46/74 D, 273/1055 bers, preferably of hemispherical configuration. Open- [51] Int. Cl A63h 27/00 ings in the sides bring the interior of the disc into com- [58] Field of Search 46/74 D; 273/1055 munication with the interiors of the inflatable members. Air scoops are provided on the periphery of the [56] References Cited disc so that when the disc is thrown and spun, the inflat- UNITED STATES PATENTS able members will expand into a sphere.

3,113,396 12/1963 Collins 46/74 D 3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures DISCUS TOY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years a number of throwing toys in the general configuration of saucers have enjoyed considerable popularity in the market. Such toys are thrown and spun about their axes and may be caused to sail for considerable distances and even to perform various maneuvers. However, the maneuvers that can be imparted to such toys are restricted because of its fixed configuration.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a discus toy which exhibits varying aerodynamic characteristics.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a discus toy which changes progressively in configuration during flight.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a discus toy which is transformed from a disc to a sphere during flight.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description to follow when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In carrying out this invention, I provide a hollow disc which is of nearly circular configuration, though having diametrically opposite radial protrusions. An opening in each protrusion conditions it to function as an air scoop when the discus is caused to spin in the direction in which the opening faces. A pair of hemispherical inflatable members are carried on the sides of the disc in sealed relationship thereto and openings in the sides of the disc bring the interior of the disc into communication with the inflatable members. When the discus toy is thrown with a spin imparted thereto, air is drawn into the interior through the air scoops to inflate the members. This converts the toy from a disc to a sphere with an orbital ring, changing its aerodynamic characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the discus toy as normally configurated;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the discus toy in its distended configuration; and a FIG. 3 is a plan view of the discus toy.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Now referring to the drawing with greater particularlity the aerodynamic discus toy of this invention comprises a nearly circular hollow disc 12 having a pair of generally convex outer sides 14 and 16. The sides of the disc may be bonded together around their peripheries or otherwise formed as an integral member. Preferably the disc 12 is formed in two or more arcuate sections which are offset from each other so as to form a pair of diametrically opposite radial protrusions and 22. The protrusions have intake'openings 24 therein, facing in the same circumferential direction so as to function as air scoops into which air is drawn when a spin in such circumferential direction is imparted to the disc 12.

Central openings 26 and 28 are formed in the sides 14 and 16 so that the rigid portion 12 of the discus toy is actually in the form of a ring. In sealed relationship with each side l4, 16, as by forming it integral therewith or bonding it thereto, is an inflatable member 30, 32, each preferably in the form ofa hemisphere. Each member may be scored with a plurality of circular weakening lines 34 parallel to the sides 14 and 16 whereby the inflatable members 30 and 32 are normally collapsed to form a relatively flat disc as shown in FIG. 1. However, they may be distended into spherical configuration when expanded in the nature of a bellows by inflation.

In operation, the discus 10 may be grasped by placing the thumb on top and one or more fingers on the bottom of the disc and hurling the disc in sidearm fashion with a sharp snap of the wrist causing the disc to spin about its axis. With the disc spinning in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 3 air will enter the scoops at a rapid rate and because the inflatable members 30 and 32 are in communication with the disc ring 12 they are inflated and distended into a spherical configuration, creating a ball with an orbital ring around it, Hence, the aerodynamic characteristics of the discus toy are altered in flight. If the discus toy is then thrown with the ball distended and with the air scoops reversed, i.e. spun in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3, the air scoops will act as aspirators to deflate the ball.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment thereof, it is obvious that modifications and changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A discus toy comprising:

a hollow disc having a pair of spaced, nearly circular dished sides, adapted to be propelled and spun about the axis of said sides,

an opening in the central portion of one of said sides,

a normally collapsed inflatable member secured to and carried on said one side in sealed relationship thereto and around said opening, and

at least one air scoop on the periphery of said disc opening into the interior thereof so that air flowing tangential to said disc enters the interior thereof.

2. The discus toy defined by claim 1 wherein said inflatable member comprises:

a generally hemispherical hollow member having a plurality of parallel circular fold lines forming a bellows member.

3. The discus toy defined by claim 1 wherein:

there is an opening in the central portion of the other one of said sides, and including:

a second normally collapsed inflatable member carried on said other side in sealed relationship thereto and around said second opening.

t i i t 

1. A discus toy comprising: a hollow disc having a pair of spaced, nearly circular dished sides, adapted to be propelled and spun about the axis of said sides, an opening in the central portion of one of said sides, a normally collapsed inflatable member secured to and carried on said one side in sealed relationship thereto and around said opening, and at least one air scoop on the periphery of said disc opening into the interior thereof so that air flowing tangential to said disc enters the interior thereof.
 2. The discus toy defined by claim 1 wherein said inflatable member comprises: a generally hemispherical hollow member having a plurality of parallel circular fold lines forming a bellows member.
 3. The discus toy defined by claim 1 wherein: there is an opening in the central portion of the other one of said sides, and including: a second normally collapsed inflatable member carried on said other side in sealed relationship thereto and around said second opening. 